Commons Report

July COMMONS’ UPDATE

Janet Hopkinson writes:

James Jolliffe cut the Commons on Sunday 9th June with his very large JCB tractor and bat wing topper. He did the top and bottom rides, and the area opposite the end of Shire Lane which has been gorse and bracken in previous years, but was cut for the first time last year.

Peter Hopkinson followed up the following day using James’ smaller Kubota and a fail mower to do a single pass along the footpaths. Peter had already done the vision splays at top of Horseblock but some work was also done road-side – presumably by the County Council who had also done the triangle at top of Parrots Lane/Sandpit Hill

There had been one complaint about the length of the grass prior to cutting, but cutting time was in line with previous years (approx. 2nd week June - depending on growing conditions)

Growth generally this year has been incredible. The wild flowers have, in some cases, been exceptional, particularly the foxgloves and I put a note on Grapevine on 2nd June encouraging people to walk down the (NOW DRY!) horse ride parallel to Rays Hill. I spotted my first Rosebay Willow herb on 1st July

Thames Water have been back and mended yet another leak on that path that was reported on 13th May, but it does appear to be no longer leaking.

25th May – Large double-stemmed ivy clad tree blocking Parson’s Path but you could scrabble over it or take a small detour to get round it.

It was too big for Peter to deal with and I note that Christine had got Pete Laybourne (presumably, as he was here carting timber) to clear it last week (28th? June) and path is now fully open

Quite a few DofE about – always more towards end of term – but generally seem to be pretty good and not too much in the way of litter.

The Fire Service have been out checking and re-spraying the fire hydrants

Heather beds. Hawridge, with some diligent eAort and help from Colin, Rupert and possibly others (who were invited to attack bracken with secateurs whenever passing!) – is now virtually clear of bracken. I think this is the first time I have known this to be the case. There are still a few tree sapplings to pull and a tidy up but hopefully it will look great when it flowers later this month. Sadly, Cholesbury bed is not so clear, but it is interesting that areas that have been attacked in previous years are definitely less infested.

The cricket outfield is now being mown by Peter – and it has been commented upon how good it looks and cricketers are really enjoying playing. He has opened up the areas near the benches so people can use them more easily. Chenies use the pitch on a regular basis when their first team is playing at home.

An irritation continues to be dog owners allowing their dogs to poo and not clearing up – not pleasant for cricketers or others!

The blocks that weighed down the butyl pond liner at pallets Pond and were stacked in the bushes by the pond have now been rehomed as I thought it worth asking on Grapevine if anyone wanted them. Steve Moran answered within minutes and wants to collect them after 12th July once he is back in the country. We just need to decide what to do with the butyl liner.

The ‘There but not There’ Perspex soldiers were put out on the WW1 and Cricket Club bench to mark D Day 80th anniversary.

A few horseriders not using rides, but cycle problem doesn’t seem too bad currently. Sarah Higgins reported on Grapevine that someone had had a picnic including a BBQ near the car park area on 25th June. I told her we would reinstate the ‘no BBQ’ signage if necessary.

Janet Hopkinson 02.07.24